France fly-half crisis as Matthieu Jalibert forced off during Six Nations clash with Italy
Romain Ntamack and France's Matthieu Jalibert leaves the pitch injured during the Six Nations rugby union international between France and Italy at the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve
France have been dealt a hammer blow in their Six Nations clash against Italy as star fly-half Matthieu Jalibert was forced off the pitch.
The 25-year-old was unable to finish off the first half as he was helped off the pitch after sustaining a suspected knee injury.
Matthieu Jalibert added to France’s woes
It is yet another setback for France as Romain Ntamack has yet to return from the injury that ruled him out of the Rugby World Cup.
Ntamack is on the mend and was in attendance for the match against Italy as he run the tee for Thomas Ramos but has not featured for club and country since sustaining the injury in the pre-World Cup match against Scotland.
Jalibert attempted to stay on the pitch after suffering the injury but was unable to as he departed at the next stoppage.
Fullback Thomas Ramos stepped into the fly-half role when Jalibert left the pitch, a role he has fulfilled on numerous occasions for Toulouse in recent seasons.
He will be an option to head coach Fabien Glathie for the final two rounds of the Six Nations, which Jalibert is likely to miss.
Outside of Ramos, Galthie has little experience in the position from the squad he has picked for the Six Nations.
Racing 92 star Antoine Gibert has been in outstanding form for his club in the Champions Cup and Top 14 but is yet to be capped at an international level.
Option options
He has been named in the squad ahead of La Rochelle star Antoine Hastoy, who was in the squad for the Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, Galthie has also included Stade Francais’ back, Leo Barre, who has played a lot at fullback for the Parisian club but has experience at fly-half.
He could come into the team if Ramos is backed at fly-half for the upcoming Tests against Wales and England.
Melvyn Jaminet could also receive a recall if Ramos is backed for the number ten jersey in the final two fixtures.
Jalibert’s injury comes after Louis Bielle-Biarrey was also ruled out of the clash against Italy.
There is also the option of Louis Carbonel, who last played for France in July 2022.
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